Archives

The Confessional Presbyterian Archive is a curated digital library dedicated to preserving and promoting the writings of 17th–20th century Presbyterian pastors, teachers, and leaders. Featuring thousands of searchable texts, biographies, and historical resources, the archive provides direct access to the primary-source materials of American Presbyterianism.

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“The Hakim Sahib,” The Foreign Doctor: A Biography of Joseph Plumb Cochran, M.D., of Persia

Biography of Dr. Joseph Plumb Cochran, a pioneering medical missionary among the Nestorian Christians in Urumia, Persia, tracing his ancestry, work, and influence.

Robert Elliott Speer ⬩ 1911

The Creed of Jesus and Other Sermons

Coffin's sermons treat the Lord's Prayer as Jesus' creed: a Father-centered theology emphasizing Christ's divinity, Christian purpose, and unity of fellowship.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1907

Biographical Introduction to Robert S. Steen, The Strength of Quietness and Other Sermons

Memorial and sermon selections of Robert S. Steen, highlighting his pastoral gifts, moving prayers, and aim that Christ be formed in believers. Emphasizes quiet trust and Christian service.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1908

Hymns of the Kingdom of God: With Tunes

Preface and contents of a 1910 hymnal edited by Henry S. Coffin and Ambrose W. Vernon, emphasizing the Kingdom of God, hymn selection, tunes, editorial notes, and acknowledgments.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1910

Social Aspects of the Cross

Coffin interprets the cross as social solidarity: Jesus was "numbered with transgressors," bearing humanity's guilt and divine forsakenness in redemptive love.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1911

On the Claims of the Church

Beckwith diagnoses church indifference, argues theology must adapt to science and experience, and offers a brief working creed stressing Christ's lordship, God's love, human sonship and the kingdom.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1914

University Sermons

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1914

The Ten Commandments: With a Christian Application to Present Conditions

Sermons applying the Ten Commandments to modern life during WWI. Coffin diagnoses modern idolatry—family, market, nation—and calls for singular devotion to God.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1915

Some Christian Convictions: A Practical Restatement in Terms of Present-Day Thinking

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1915

Messages from Luther for Our Day

Addresses on the Protestant Reformation (1517–1917) examining Martin Luther’s gospel-centered faith, Scripture’s self-evidence, Christian liberty, and social/political effects.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1917

In a Day of Social Rebuilding: Lectures on the Ministry of the Church

Coffin's Lyman Beecher lectures urge the church to lead postwar social rebuilding through ministries of reconciliation, evangelism, worship, teaching and organization.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1918

A More Christian Industrial Order

Coffin urges Christians to apply Jesus' spirit to industry: be productive, democratic, and form character. He advocates ethical callings, worker voice and shared responsibility.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1920

What Is There in Religion?

Coffin examines what Christian religion supplies—refreshment, cleansing, power, illumination and unity—using the Hudson River parable and biblical 'living water' imagery.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1922

The Pulpit’s Use of Its Freedom

Henry Sloane Coffin defends the pulpit's freedom to interpret Scripture responsibly amid modern science and scholarship. He urges using liberty to vitalize Christian faith without abandoning its historic core.

Henry Sloane Coffin, Gorham Dummer Abbott ⬩ 1925

Freedom in the Presbyterian Pulpit

Discusses freedom in the Presbyterian pulpit, the history of subscription to the Westminster Confession, and the Adopting Act's safeguards for ministerial conscience.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1925

From the Natural to the Spiritual

Sermon likening sea-to-land evolution to entering spiritual life: new 'breathing' (trust), disciplined movement (obedience), and resilience (steadfast love). Calls for devotion.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1925

How I Think of God

Defines God as the creative Force and living Spirit revealed supremely in Jesus Christ. Affirms God's presence in nature, conscience, art, and human progress.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1926

What to Preach

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1926

The Portraits of Jesus Christ in the New Testament

Examines the earliest New Testament portraits of Jesus in apostolic preaching: the risen, exalted Messiah whose suffering, resurrection, and Spirit empower the church and mission.

Henry Sloane Coffin ⬩ 1928

Pillars of Religion in the Colleges

Argues colleges should teach religion academically, provide inspiring corporate worship, foster student religious organizations, and cultivate faculty spiritual influence to spur personal faith.